Economist Salary in Kentucky
Based on 100+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$71,400
$34.33/hr
vs National Average
$111,296
-35.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$60K – $124K
100 employed in Kentucky
The median economist salary in Kentucky is $71,400 per year, based on data from approximately 100 workers in the state. This figure falls 36% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences and cost-of-living variations. Salaries for economists in Kentucky range from $59,810 to $124,380 annually, indicating considerable variation within the field.
Several factors influence economist salary in Kentucky, including education level, years of experience, and employer type. Economists working for government agencies, universities, or large corporations typically earn more than those in smaller organizations or nonprofits. Geographic location within the state, specialized expertise in particular economic sectors, and advanced certifications also play significant roles in determining compensation levels.
Salary Distribution — Economist in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $59,810 |
| 25th percentile | $64,070 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $71,400 |
| 75th percentile | $100,880 |
| 90th percentile | $124,380 |
Top-Paying Industries for Economist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Economists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Economists in Kentucky tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $210,780 | 30 |
| Wholesale Trade | $207,400 | 40 |
| Manufacturing | $180,320 | 90 |
| Finance and Insurance | $173,990 | 2K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $160,150 | 170 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Economist in Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $72,990 |
| 2023 | $70,800 |
| 2024 | $65,470 |
| 2025 | $71,400 |
| 2026 (projected) | $75,684 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kentucky Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $72,990 | $96,369 |
| 2023 | $70,800 | $98,241 |
| 2024 | $65,470 | $102,371 |
| 2025 | $71,400 | $111,296 |
| 2026 (projected) | $75,684 | $117,974 |
Economist Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $64,070 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $71,400 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $100,880 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $124,380 |
Economist Salary in Other States
Related Economist Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Economist ($71,400 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Economist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Manager in KY | $130,650 | +83.0% | $62.81/hr |
| Actuary in KY | $120,400 | +68.6% | $57.88/hr |
| Financial Analyst in KY | $81,660 | +14.4% | $39.26/hr |
| Credit Analyst in KY | $79,290 | +11.1% | $38.12/hr |
| Budget Analyst in KY | $76,860 | +7.6% | $36.95/hr |
| Financial Examiner in KY | $76,260 | +6.8% | $36.66/hr |
| Accountant in KY | $75,270 | +5.4% | $36.19/hr |
| Compliance Officer in KY | $69,240 | -3.0% | $33.29/hr |
| Personal Financial Advisor in KY | $67,150 | -6.0% | $32.28/hr |
| Tax Examiner in KY | $65,690 | -8.0% | $31.58/hr |
| Loan Officer in KY | $62,090 | -13.0% | $29.85/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in KY | $60,880 | -14.7% | $29.27/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do economists make in Kentucky?
- The median salary for economists in Kentucky is $71,400 per year, or $34 per hour. This is approximately 35.8% below the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for economists in Kentucky?
- Economists in Kentucky earn between $59,810 and $124,380 annually, depending on experience and employer. The median falls at $71,400 within this range.
Is an economist salary in Kentucky competitive with the national average?
- No, Kentucky economist salaries lag behind the national average by 35.8%, with the state median at $71,400 compared to higher national figures.
How many economists are employed in Kentucky?
- There are approximately 100 economists currently employed in Kentucky according to recent employment data.